Rally to Push for On-Campus Multicultural Center
The University’s Leadership Team is orchestrating an anti-racism rally that will take place on the steps of Wilson Hall today, April 4 at 2:00 p.m.
The Leadership Team is a group of four educational counseling students from three different sections of the course “Advanced Topics of Race and Racism,” taught by Tina Paone, Ph.D., an associate professor of educational counseling. The team, consisting of sophomore Vanessa Bernal, senior Kendall Walker, and freshmen Virginia Biase and Matthew Vargo, will orchestrate the logistics of the rally. The ultimate goal of the group is to establish a Multicultural Center on campus.
Vargo initially thought of the plan for the rally. “Sadly, racism is still alive and well, even here at Monmouth University,” said Vargo. “Last fall there was an incident along the fence of the athletic field on Larchwood Avenue, where someone had painted a racial slur.”
Vargo and his colleagues’ duties include outreach, social media, and research, among other aspects which will make the rally run as smoothly as possible. Paone handles University compliance in regards to flyers, tabling events, and creating petitions for students.
Johanna Foster, Ph.D., Director of the Sociology Program and an associate professor of sociology, has been studying the effects of institutional racism for two decades. “We continue to experience explicit hate incidents on campus, as well as everyday racial micro-insults that are sadly still routine at predominantly white institutions like ours,” said Foster.
“The data is also clear that traditionally marginalized students of color are underrepresented at Monmouth, despite recent improvements, as are faculty of color.
“As a sociologist who studies racial inequality in education, I can tell you these patterns regrettably do not make Monmouth stand out as unusual in the higher education landscape,” she said.
Claude Taylor, Academic Transition & Inclusion Advisor-in-Residence and professor of communication, agrees youth protest is thriving.
“Student activism is an essential characteristic of the college experience,” said Taylor. “I support the concept of students giving voice to concerns.”
Maya Paco, a general member of the Youth Activists Group on campus, will be the Vice President next semester. “I admire those who take the time to pro-test and advocate for what they believe in,” said Paco.
As a victim of racism, Paco supports the rally. “I knew that the racial remarks I got as a child would not be who I would grow up to be, that was only for me to decide,” she said.
“I don’t believe that activism is declining in America one bit,” said Vargo. “Take a look at the #MeToo movement, or the March for our Lives event. There are important issues that still move people to take a stand for what they feel is right.
“All it takes is one person to have the social courage to say something against injustice. Once that person speaks their truth, others will follow. Sometimes these movements have to start small, like on a college campus, but if enough people stand up to injustice and inequity, eventually a change will occur.”
The ultimate goal of the protest is to advocate for a Multicultural Center on campus.
“We believe that this center will be a place for people of all races, religions, and beliefs to come and embrace each other and share their stories and find safety amongst each other,” said Vargo. “We want Monmouth to be a place where people’s differences are celebrated and encouraged.”
On campus, there are several clubs and organizations that advocate for equality and diversity, including the African-American Student Union, the Muslim Student Association (MSA), the Gender Studies Club, the Sociology Club, and Students Advocating Girls’ Education (SAGE).
“We want the community at Monmouth to hear from their fellow students and faculty about experiences with racism, whether personal or viewed by another,” said Vargo. “We believe that the student’s voices will be more powerful and impactful because we are each other’s peers.”
According to a 2017 article by the Pew Research Center, more Muslim Americans have been assaulted and intimidated with a significant increase from 2015 to 2016, from 91 reported incidents of aggravated assault to 127.
Reports of vandalism and property damage have also jumped about 20 percent.
There is also an increase of antisemitism, xenophobia, and religious bias.
These numbers are most likely inaccurate, since this data is only from incidents reported to law enforcement agencies.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 7,321 reported incidents of hate crimes in the United States in 2016, a five-year high. However, 88 percent of law enforcement agencies reported no hate crimes.
“Our voices are the most powerful tool we have,” said Vargo.
IMAGE TAKEN from https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/mu-aap
PHOTO TAKEN by Nicole Riddle
